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Qualification Overview

The Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology (QCF) in Plymouth is a substantial vocational qualification that will prepare you for a career as a nail technician. This qualification is designed for learners aged 19 years or over and will support you to gain employment as a nail technician, as the units contained in this qualification cover all the skills and knowledge required for this role.

Details

  • Plymouth Centre
  • Accredited Qualification
 

Course Details

Fully Funded for ages 19 and over

Course Length: 2 days per week for 12 weeks, 09.30-16.30. Courses run in line with the school academic year and we therefore have breaks for half-terms, Easter, Christmas and the Summer holidays.

Type: Blended learning – classroom based 2 days a week and home study (recommended 10 hours a week)

Entry Requirements

Ages 19+

Applicants will also be required to complete a functional skills test upon enrolment.

Qualification Structure and Units

Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon

Through this unit you will develop your skills in a supervisory role focusing on health and safety within your salon.You will recognise salon hazards, carry out risk assessments and then implement the necessary actions. You will monitor and support your colleagues to ensure your salon complies with health and safety requirements.  You will implement and supervise salon procedures for all aspects of salon safety and security including the need for insurance.

 

Client care and communication in beauty-related industries

This is a preparation for work unit which is based on capability and knowledge. This unit is about client care and communication in beauty-related industries. You will develop your ability to adapt the provision of client care and your communication skills, to the needs of different clients, as well as learn how to manage client expectations.

 

Health and wellbeing

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding of how to maintaining your own health and wellbeing. This will include setting a personal action plan, having clear goals, regular monitoring, reviewing activities, evaluating your progress and updating your action plan. This is a continuous cycle for monitoring your eating, lifestyle, exercise and weight management.

 

Apply and maintain nail enhancements

This unit is about providing services to enhance and maintain nails on the hands and feet. It covers consulting with clients to establish their requirement and recognising any contra-indications that may affect the service. It also covers repairing and removing nail enhancements.

 

Provide manicure treatments

This unit is about providing manicure services to clients. You will learn about consulting with the client, recognising any contra-indications, preparing for the service and producing a treatment plan. You will also learn about filing and buffing the nails, using skin and cuticle treatments, massaging the hand and lower arm and using a suitable nail finish.You will need to carry out effective health, safety and hygienic working practices.

 

Provide pedicure treatments

This unit is about providing pedicure services to clients. It covers consulting with the client, recognising any contra-indications, preparing for the service and producing a service plan. It also covers filing the nails, applying skin and cuticle treatments, cleaning and drying the feet, removing excess hard skin, massaging the foot and lower leg, and providing a suitable nail finish.You will need to maintain effective health, safety and hygiene throughout your work.

 

Design and apply nail art

This unit is about planning and creating individual nail art designs to suit the client and occasion. It covers consulting with the client, recognising any contra-indications, preparing for the service and creating a nail art design using a range of nail art products. The nail art designs and techniques covered by this unit include 3D embedding, colour blending, marbling, painting and alternative tip shapes. To carry out this unit you will need to maintain effective health, safety and hygiene procedures during your work.

 

Airbrush designs for nails

This unit is about planning, designing and creating individual nail art designs using airbrushing techniques to suit the client and occasion. In this unit you will learn about preparing for the service, preparing the nails, creating designs, and finishing techniques for airbrushing.

 

Display stock to promote sales in a salon

In this unit you will learn how to create an eye‑catching display using promotional materials, equipment and stock from your salon. Through careful planning, preparation and maintenance of your display, you will learn how to promote your salon and increase sales of services and retail products. You must follow safe working practices during the assembly and dismantling stages of the display. This unit is suitable for hairdressing, barbering, nail and beauty salons and spas.

 

Useful Information

This qualification is based on the beauty therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK’s leading professional association, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) as being fit for purpose for preparing you for a career as a nail technician. Holders of this qualification are eligible to become a professional member of BABTAC.

 

This qualification will prepare you for employment as a nail technician. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a nail technician. Career opportunities as a nail technician exist in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Working in a commercial nail salon
  • Working in a retail concession ‘nail bar’
  • Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings
 

Once  Learners have achieved the Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology they may progress on to other qualifications at Level 3 and 4, for example:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology
  • Level 3 Diploma in Fashion and Media Make-up – Specification
  • Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy
  • Level 3 Certificate in Facial Electrical Treatments
  • Level 3 Certificate in Body Treatments
  • Level 4 Diploma in Spa and Salon Management
 

Yes, all courses run in line with the school academic year and we therefore have breaks for half-terms, Easter, Christmas and the Summer holidays.